不
是

About

The word "不是" is formed by directly combining the character "不" meaning "not" with the character "是" meaning "is" or "to be", resulting in a compound that functions as a negative copula meaning "is not" or "are not".

Example Sentences Hide

这不是我的书。

Zhè bù shì wǒ de shū.

This is not my book.

他说的不是我而是你。

Tā shuō de bù shì wǒ ér shì nǐ.

The person he mentioned is not me, but you.

今天是不是你的生日？

Jīntiān shì bù shì nǐ de shēngrì?

Is today your birthday or not?

你生气是不是因为我来晚了？

Nǐ shēngqì shì bù shì yīnwèi wǒ lái wǎn le?

Are you angry because I came late?

他这人倒不是小气，只是做事特别谨慎。

Tā zhè rén dào bù shì xiǎoqì, zhǐshì zuòshì tèbié jǐnshèn.

He isn't actually stingy; it's just that he is extremely cautious in what he does.

Word Definition - 不是

bù shi no; is not; not; fault; blame

Individual Character Details

不 bù
是 shì, shì